My modem gets very hot – how to cool it

Modem and routers are some of the home devices that are always on. Because of this, they tend to get too hot and even overheat. However, this can be prevented using some of the tips we’ll share in the guide below.

In this era of cheap and fast internet, routers and modems are almost essential for most homes. These devices are some of the few electronics in the house that are on 24/7. We rarely give them a break and this is why touching the router and finding that it’s a bit too warm is usually no surprise. However, this is not good for the modem and cooling is recommended.

So, how do you cool an overheating modem? The best way to cool an overheating modem is use a cooling fan. Cooling fans are flat horizontal devices where the modem is placed as the fan runs. By using the cooling fan, the modem does not overheat even after working for hours.To prevent overheating, there are a few precautions you should take.

Tips to prevent overheating in routers and modems

Avoid sunlight

If your router is placed directly near a window and under sunlight, consider repositioning elsewhere in the house. This is because long exposure to the sun continually raises the temperature of the device causing it to overheat. In fact, you should entirely avoid placing electronic devices in the sun. If you cannot reposition it, consider using blinds or curtains to reduce the heat from the sun. Overall, heat from the sun kills the lifespan of all electronic devices including modems and routers.

Use a cooling pad

Use a cooling pad

Today, there are small pads devised for cooling devices that may overheat. These include laptops, tablets, mobile phones, routers and modems. As the name suggests, the pad is a horizontal fan boxed within a slim chassis. The fan is also thin to ensure your laptop is not lifted too high to cause discomfort for the user. To power this fan, the cooling pad is fitted with a USB power port.

By placing your router or modem on the cooling fan, it is always getting cold air blown through it. Overheating and getting too warm is ergo prevented. If your router does not have a USB port, place a USB power port close by, turn it on and place your networking device on top.

Avoid placing things on and around your modem

Most times, your modem overheats because it is not getting proper air circulation. This can be caused by placing things on your modem or around it. Say for instance your modem is against a wall. The wall may be preventing circulation of air into the modem. Furthermore, you may have a cat that likes to lie on the warm modem, don’t let the cat sit too long as this messes with circulation. Instead, place your modem on a raised flat surface with some space behind and on the sides for proper air circulation.

Use a dehumidifier

Use a dehumidifier

If you live in a predominantly hot or high humid area, there is not much you can do about the sun. The best way to deal with this is by using a dehumidifier. This will ensure there is proper air circulation.

Switch off when not in use

One of the best ways to prevent overheating and lengthen the lifespan of your modem is to always switch it off when not in use. Most of us forget to do this and leave it on even when we’ve left for work. This should not be the case. Even modems need a break from long hours of working and switching it off will really help your modem or router in the long run.

Disable features that are not in use

When the router is on, there is a lot going on in the background beyond the internet connectivity you’re getting. Features such as connection logging should be disabled to reduce the work load of the modem or router. This will not only improve performance but also minimize the risk of overheating by a significant margin.

Use a fan

Reducing the temperatures

If your modem tends to get too hot, a fan will go a great way in cooling it. There are small fans that you can buy and place directly above or beside the modem. This is one of the best ways of dealing with an overheating modem.

The following are the best cooling fans today.

Cooling fan
Features
Availability
Noctua NF-S12B Redux 1200
Self-stabilizing oil pressure bearing, RPM 400 – 1200
Corsair LL120 RGB
Hydraulic bearing, RPM 600 – 1500, RGB lighting
Cooler Master MF120R
Rifle Bearing, RPM 650 – 2000,  RGB lighting, quiet
Noctua NF-A1x25 PWM
Self-stabilizing oil pressure bearing, RPM range 450 – 2000, High airflow
Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM
Fluid Dynamic Bearing, Range 300 – 1200, Durable cable

Replace old routers and modems with new ones

Sometimes, your modem or router may be overheating because it’s too old. If your devices are over a decade old, consider retiring them and replacing them with a new one. Old modems are more problematic with inconsistent speeds and bandwidth. Fortunately, there are many affordable routers and modems in the market for regardless of the budget.

Regularly clean or blow your modem and router

All modems and routers have vents for air circulation. These vents may get clogged with dirt and dust over time especially if you don’t do regular cleaning. When the vents get clogged, circulation is hindered. Use a blower to blow through the modem and router at least once in two months. If you don’t have a blower, clean the device and its environs using a dump cloth as frequently as you can.

Place your device on hard flat surfaces

Ideally, your modem or router should be placed on a hard surface such as a table rather than a couch or spongy area. Hard surfaces allows for heat to escape easily compared to a spongy or soft surface. Mounting on walls is also recommended as walls lose heat easily.

Avoid letting pets lie on the modem or router

Pets especially cats love to lay on warm surfaces such as modems and routers. As cute as it may be, this causes more harm than good for these devices. First, animals emit a lot of warmth that may cause overheating. Secondly, hairs and fur may get into the device through the vents and cause electric faults.

Conclusion

All in all, modems and routers last very long if taken care of properly. Using the tips above, you can prevent and deal with overheating and ensure a long healthy lifespan for your devices.

FAQs

  1. How hot can a router said to be overheating?

Overheating occurs at 40 degrees Celsius. If your router feels extremely hot, it is also said to be overheated

  1. What is the best way to prevent overheating in networking devices?

Using a cooling pad or fan.

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